A 15-year-old prodigy makes history in Arsenal’s commanding Champions League victory

05/11/2025 08:18:00 FieldFrenzy

Young prospect Max Dowman caught global football’s attention by breaking an incredible record during the Champions League clash between Arsenal and Slavia Prague.

Coming on in the 72nd minute with Arsenal ahead 3-0, Dowman became the youngest player ever to participate in a match at this elite competition, at just 15 years and 308 days old. He broke the previous record set by Youssoufa Moukoko, who debuted for Borussia Dortmund in 2019 at 16 years and 18 days.

Before Dowman, Barcelona’s young talent Lamine Yamal, though only 16, held the record for the youngest player to start a Champions League match. Despite only having 16 touches in his 18 minutes on the pitch, playing in such a major game marked a key turning point in the career of one of England’s most promising young players.

Max Dowman becomes the youngest player ever to appear in the Champions League

Dowman’s entry into the Champions League occurred with Arsenal holding a solid three-goal lead, courtesy of a Bukayo Saka penalty and two strikes from Mikel Merino. Coach Mikel Arteta chose to give the young player a chance once the win was assured, helping Dowman gain valuable experience on Europe’s biggest stage.

This was not the first time Dowman impressed many. At just 15, he made his first-team debut for Arsenal in a 5-0 victory over Leeds last August, becoming the club’s second youngest player to appear in the Premier League.

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